Profile: Carlos Soler
All the intel on signing number nine
Age: 27
Nationality: Spanish
Position: Midfield
Transfer fee: Loan
Carlos Soler: "I am really excited to be here as a West Ham player. It has always been a dream of mine to play in the Premier League, and to be doing it in London with a club like West Ham is an incredible feeling".
BBC Sport, whufc.com
Born in Valencia on the 2 January 1997, Carlos first taste of the beautiful game came during half-time intervals at his brother's matches for local club Bonrepòs, where the four-year-old would unleash powerful shots. The club sought to enrol the young prodigy, though Soler's initial shyness meant his grandfather had to entice him with a Game Boy console before he agreed to join.
Four years later, in 2005, he was snapped up by his hometown club, Valencia. Initially playing as a striker, Soler transitioned into a central midfield role
Valencia
Soler's senior debut arrived on the 3 May 2015, featuring for Valencia's reserve team in a 1-0 Segunda División B defeat to Cornellà. His first professional goal followed in December, equalising in a 2-2 draw against Badalona. By March 2016, he had signed a contract extension, earning his first call-up to Valencia's first team as an unused substitute in a Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao.
The 2016/17 campaign saw Soler's long-awaited La Liga debut, replacing Mario Suárez in a 3-2 loss to Real Sociedad. In the following month when he opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory over Villarreal. A string of impressive performances culminated in a new contract in May 2017, one that included an €80 million release clause.
In 2018/19 season he featuring in 51 games across all competitions, including 13 in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Soler's contributions helped Valencia clinch their first major trophy in over a decade – the Copa del Rey. His assist for Rodrigo's winning strike in the 2-1 final triumph over Barcelona was a particular highlight.
A new four-year contract followed in December 2019, with Soler's release clause reaching an eye-watering €150 million. In the following November when he became only the third player in La Liga history to score a hat-trick of penalties in a single game, inspiring Valencia's 4-1 demolition of Real Madrid.
In the 2020/21 and 2021/22 campaigns Soler was the club's leading scorer with 12 and 11 goals respectively.
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Paris Saint-Germain
On the 1 September 2022, Soler joined French giants Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year deal for an initial fee of €18 million, potentially rising to €21 million. His debut arrived five days later, introduced as a late substitute in a 2-1 Champions League victory over Juventus.
While game time proved limited in his inaugural Parisian campaign, Soler still managed to get on the scoresheet, scoring in a 7-2 demolition of Maccabi Haifa and opening his Ligue 1 account in a 4-3 triumph over Troyes. His contributions helped PSG clinch their 11th top-flight title, though regular minutes remained elusive under compatriot Luis Enrique the following season, prompting speculation of an imminent departure.
West Ham United
As the 2024/25 campaign loomed, rumours of Soler's disillusionment in the French capital intensified, with several La Liga outfits reportedly vying for his signature. However, it was West Ham who secured him on a season-long loan on the 30 August 2024.
The move represents a significant coup for the Hammers, who have acquired a player of unquestionable pedigree and winning mentality. Soler's technical prowess, coupled with his ability to orchestrate play from deep, is expected to provide a creative impetus to the side.
Internationals
Soler was a member of Spain's European Under-21 Championship triumphs in 2019 and runners-up finish in 2017, and he was part of the nation's Olympic squad that clinched silver at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games.
His senior international debut arrived in September 2021, scoring a stunning volley in a 2-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Sweden before adding another strike three days later in a 4-0 rout of Georgia. Soler was included in Spain's 2022 World Cup squad, where he made three appearances, including scoring in the 7-0 group stage demolition of Costa Rica.
Style of Play
A dynamic, all-action midfielder, Soler's game is characterised by his energy, intelligent movement, and exceptional technical ability. Equally adept at retaining possession and dictating the tempo of a game as he is at making late runs into the box, the Spaniard's versatility allows him to operate in a variety of midfield roles.
Soler's heatmaps from his most prolific season at Valencia, 2020/21, illustrate his proclivity for drifting into advanced positions. This attacking intent is further exemplified by his shot maps, which showcase his penchant for arriving into the penalty area and his capability to unleash fierce drives from distance.
Career Summary
Valencia CF (2016–2022)
Matches: 226
Goals: 36
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) (2022–2024)
Matches: 50
Goals: 5
West Ham United (2024–Present)
Internationals
Spain U19
Matches: 3
Goals: 0
Spain U21
Matches: 20
Goals: 4
Spain Olympic
Matches: 7
Goals: 1
Spain
Matches: 14
Goals: 4